Naiise Travels: Paris, France

It's not surprising why it's often touted as the world's best city. Staffers from Naiise share locations off the beaten track of Paris and why it's so easy to fall in love with the romance capital of the world. 

1. Montmartre 
Made famous by the movie, Amélie (starring the effervescent Audrey Tautou), Montmartre still remains one of the more understated streets in Paris and is a true melting pot of cultures. Though it's a distance away from the city centre and its famed shopping districts, the cobbled streets of Montmartre beg for a seeking individual to be lost in its unique charm.

We recommend renting an apartment here (Tip: try to find one that's just walking distance away from the Gare Du Nord terminal if you're reaching Paris by train) and staying 2-3 nights to explore the area in its totality.

View from our apartment on the 4th floor: conveniently located amongst various groceries and pâtisserie where it's easy to treat ourselves to a decadent lemon tart and other fresh bakes.

Settling in nicely in our quaint little Parisian apartment.

At the acclaimed Moulin Rouge! If the queue fazes you, just take a picture outside the cabaret venue (like what Serene, our marketing manager did)!

2. Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen
Avenue de la Porte de Clignancourt, 18e Paris, France

Don't be fooled into thinking this is the place by the white tentage outside selling cheap wares and knock-offs. Walk pass them and find yourself into a myriad of lanes selling the most precious and unique ornaments.

Rummage through this legendary and world's biggest flea market to bring home some truly vintage treasures. A friend got several old-school kerosene lamps and a meat grinder here. We recommend a sourcing trip specifically for this place and oh, lots of luggage space.
Tip: Don't be afraid to haggle over prices, most of the storekeepers are really nice people!

Vintage pins and stickers sourced from around the world — starting from just 1 Euro!

Our loot of gorgeous pins.

3. Miss Kô
51 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris, France

Paris isn't just about Michelin-starred restaurants. For something more wallet-friendly but still delivers a gastronomic (and visual) dining experience, visit this Asian-Fusion restaurant designed by none other than Philippe Starck.

Expect outlandish displays such as a Chinese dragon flying across a screen-topped table, a gigantic blow-up tea pot and artistic nudes showcasing elaborate Yakuza-esque tattoos sprawled across its menu.
Tip: This place gets really packed during lunch hours, so try to settle in by 1130am.

4. Léon de Bruxelles 
63 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France

This is a well-known restaurant chain famous for their moules-frites but we just have to give it another shout-out. The portions were huge but we easily polished off one pot each because it was just that good.

It was freezing cold out but Xinyi, our buying manager, couldn't resist trying for an OOTD on the picturesque streets.

5. Le Bar à Huîtres 
33, rue Saint-Jacques, Paris, France

This is a seafood restaurant that may be a tad pricey but definitely worth every penny (or rather, euro).

The seafood platter comes with different types of oysters and feel free to ask the friendly wait staff for recommendations if you prefer the creamy ones! While you're at it, go for a glass of wine as well. Ahhh, the good life...

Best oysters ever!